Bulls' Forman: 'Never any question' about keeping LaVine

LAS VEGAS - Chicago Bulls general manager Gar Forman has heard the criticism his team is receiving for matching guard Zach LaVine's four-year, $78-million offer sheet from the Sacramento Kings, but he's unperturbed by it.

"No, there was never any question," Forman told theScore Tuesday when asked whether there was any inkling among himself, president John Paxson, or head coach Fred Hoiberg that Chicago would let LaVine walk. "We always knew Zach would be with the Bulls."

Critics of the "GarPax" regime in Chicago are legion, but the organization believes the 23-year-old LaVine will only improve. He played just 24 games in his first season with the Bulls, shooting 38.3 percent from the floor on nearly 15 attempts per game. Knocked by some as a dunker and little else, there are legitimate questions about committing $19.5 million per season to him.

LaVine also fired back at critics of the deal, while wondering aloud why he had to sign an offer sheet from another team as a restricted free agent to earn his payday with Chicago.

"I know what I'm worth," he said Sunday at Summer League.

"He's got a lot of upside," Forman added. "We think he'll continue to get better and better. He fits the makeup and character of what we want."

Meanwhile, the Bulls arguably have higher upside players in young big Lauri Markkanen and rookie center Wendell Carter Jr., and Forman hopes the pair will grow in tandem.

"We really think Wendell Carter's going to be a nice compliment to Lauri, so I think their two games will fit perfectly," he said. Forman also echoed the choir on the 3-and-D potential of No. 22 pick Chandler Hutchison, who's had some up-and-down moments in Vegas.

"Like a lot of young guys he's gotta get more confident," Forman said.

With that, the rebuild in Chicago continues.